I agree fundamentally with your website and organization on protecting personal property rights. However, land use restrictions are of the essence if we are to protect individuals from development and destroying habitat on their land. The Critical Areas Ordinance is a highly debated law, but yet is of the necessity if we are to flourish in future generations. It also offers beneficial tax reductions for private land owners who adhere to the guidelines set forth by the state.

I grew up in Houston, TX, which is a city consumed by nothing but sprawl, and it pays the price for it. It is ascetically unpleasing, is riddled with environmental degradation on many fronts, and the private land owners are not good environmental stewards. If Washington private land owners must be forced to adhere to CAO and other laws to protect their property and that of others, then that is a price that must be paid. We cannot permit land owners to do as they please on their land because not all of them will implement sound practices. Individual rights must be protected, but what about the rights infringed upon others by improper land management and use? I don't know of a great alternative, but do feel that the CAO is a worthy document that protects everyone from the actions of a few. Many private land owners are excellent stewards, but others are careless, ignorant and cause nothing but problems for the county and others to deal with.

I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my feelings on this issue with you, and hope we may have an open dialogue in the future on issues of personal property rights. Please email me back, I would love to further this discussion.